“The Eastern Championships will be held at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park in Obetz, Ohio – a suburb of Columbus. Fortress Obetz is a 6,500-seat stadium that is home to the Ohio Machine of Major League Lacrosse, and was also purpose-built with rugby in mind.”

It has been an honor and quite an experience to lead the Mid-Atlantic Conference Competitions Committee. As I step forward in leading the National Competitions Committee, I am happy to announce that Kathryn Hemlock has been elected by the current Committee to serve in the MAC Chairperson role going forward. We are planning the transition between the two of us, and my last order of official business will be overseeing the process of our 2018 playoff location. For all other matters going forward, you are encouraged to work through your coordinator, as always. I know that I leave you in good hands with her and the group that continues to serve Club Rugby in the Mid Atlantic.

From Richard Every at USAR (9/8/17, 1135; this is an excerpt since we’ve all seen the video and know the new law):

If a player has to step with one leg over the ball, they would be a prone target to be cleared out.

AT THIS TIME, in the USA, WE WILL DO THE FOLLOWING, until further clarification:

If, at a tackle, a player on their feet positions themselves over the ball, a ruck is formed. That means, your body has to be over the ball. It should be in a controlled manner, and both legs can still be on your side of the ball and they may grasp their player that is on the ground. Try not to over-complicate it.

If that player then decides to play the ball, they have to step back so they are no longer over the ball, then play the ball coming through the gate.

If, after they have formed the ruck, they pick up the ball in that ruck-forming position, it is a PK against them for hands in.